Smart city concept – solutions, opportunities and threats

Smart city solutions include a variety of technologies and tools to improve the quality of life for residents. But what exactly does that mean? Smart systems are being implemented in smart cities, among others. In the areas of transportation, energy, security and health care. Examples include city monitoring, air quality sensors, intelligent traffic and lighting control, or remote reading of utility meters. It is also the use of modern screens, monitors and boards in areas such as transportation, security, administration or infrastructure.
Other areas include smart buildings with automatic regulation of energy consumption, electronic administration and e-services for residents, or selective waste collection. Smart city solutions contribute to the efficiency, safety and convenience of residents’ lives.

• Intelligent transportation systems – adaptive traffic signal control, electronic ticketing, shared mobility (e.g., bicycle rentals), real-time traffic information.
• Energy efficiency – smart meters and automatic optimization of energy consumption, smart grid, sensor-controlled LED lighting.
• Security – video surveillance in public spaces, sensors to detect threats (e.g., fire, flood), smart solutions in emergency services.
• Waste management – sensors that monitor the level of filling of containers, automatic waste segregation systems.
• E-government – electronic services for residents, smart systems for handling and reminding utility fees, etc.
• Healthcare – telemedicine, IoT in patient monitoring, medication and appointment reminders.
• Smart home – smart homes and apartments that integrate various devices and make management easier.

• Transportation – LED screens and boards at bus stops, stations, airports; on public transportation vehicles. They allow to inform passengers about schedules, delays, breakdowns.
• Security – CCTV monitors; digital message boards; displays in emergency services to improve emergency response and coordination of operations.
• Administration – Offices are being equipped with digital queuing systems, info kiosks with touch screens, and information boards to facilitate service to residents.
• Infrastructure – displays and touch panels in the control of lighting, water and sewage systems, energy management. They allow you to control the operation of the systems.
• Advertising – digital billboards, LED screens, including interactive screens, using, among other things. Gesture and motion recognition technology.

Modern screens and digital media are becoming an integral part of urban space. They help improve city operations and inform and engage residents through interactive capabilities.

The smart city concept carries many potential benefits, but also some risks. Opportunities include a better quality of life for residents, more sustainable management of resources, greater transparency in government operations, cost savings, and increased innovation and competitiveness in the city.
However, there are also some smart city risks concerning, among other things. data security and citizens’ privacy, dependence on technology and vulnerability to cyberattacks, or widening social inequality. To minimize risks, solutions must be responsibly designed and implemented with smart city security in mind.

The benefits of applying the smart city concept are:

• Convenience and improved quality of life for residents through access to modern services.
• Optimization of resource consumption – energy, water, fuels. Infrastructure maintenance cost savings.
• Less pollution through sustainable solutions.
• Greater public safety through monitoring and rapid service response.
• Development of a modern economy based on technology and innovation.
• Transparency in city management and greater access to data for residents.

In contrast, potential threats and challenges are:

• Cyber security – the risk of intrusions into infrastructure monitoring and control systems.
• Privacy – collecting data on residents and their activities can raise concerns.
• Failurability – dependence on technology carries the risk of paralysis if it becomes unreliable.
• The high cost of implementing and maintaining smart solutions.
• Inequalities – the risk of deepening divisions through limited access to new technologies.
• Public acceptance – concerns about change and job protection.

Smart city risks should be minimized from the design stage of a solution.